Shallow Water Fishing Boats

Outdoors Articles » Fishing » Shallow Water Fishing Boats

You've heard about it, and now you've decided you want to get into shallow water fishing. You want to be the guy that reels in shallow water fish like snook, red fish, tarpon and snapper. But you know that without the right boat, that's not going to happen.

Well, luckily for you, there's a whole new generation of flats skiffs out there, just waiting for an angler like you. Guys who want to sight cast in the clear, shallow waters off the Florida Gulf Coast demand shallow water boats that deliver.

After all, a boat with 'no sides' is a two-edged proposition. Shallow water fishing is fun, immediate and exciting, but without enough width and stability, it's not the safest way to navigate. You want to look at shallow water boats that are light-weight but stable, with a secure fishing platform.

When specifying back country, the anglers will either find themselves in the Everglades National Park or the shallow estuary of Florida Bay, most likely. Or they may take their shallow water boats into Biscayne Bay, or explore the wrecks of Marcos Island.

Shallow water anchors are definitely something else you have to consider. Why? Because you have to decide between manual or power anchorage. You go manual, then you're looking at a three-quarter inch rod of solid fiberglass, which functions as an anchor AND as a push pole. Brackets built right into shallow water boats hold the push pole in place.

Florida Bay offers the experience of taking fishing boats through miles of interlocking 'basins,' most of which are barely three feet deep. While the fun of floating along and taking in sights such as hawks, herons and egrets is undeniable, at some point all you want is to sink that shallow water anchor and get down to business!

While the shallow water boat treks smoothly along the back country, this will be the fisherman's chance to take in Florida scenery at its most pristine. He can view all manner of plant life, from orchids and primordial fern to the draping Spanish moss so typical of Florida forests. He can catch a glimpse of turtle or deer, in addition to the shallow water fish just inches away.

The appeal of shallow water fishing is best found in places like Florida Bay. With mangroves aplenty, there is always something primal and unspoiled to enjoy, whether it be the challenge of landing a largemouth bass, or spotting a wading ibis just a few feet away.

About the Author

If $1,600 for a POWER POLE ANCHOR seems expensive then take a look at an alternative. Check out Stay Put SHALLOW WATER ANCHORS. It's a Shallow Water Anchor that is LESS EXPENSIVE than the Power Pole Shallow Water Anchor and Perfect for Flats & Bay Fishing! A shallow water fishing anchor system for all small skiffs, bass boats, flats boats and bay boats.